IMPORTANT NEWS...

ABT Arrests 14 People for Underage Drinking at College and Professional Football Games

October 23, 2008

TALLAHASSEE—Football season is underway, and with it comes the perennial challenge of keeping alcohol out of the hands of underage people. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) works diligently to ensure that alcohol is not in the possession of underage fans. This past weekend, officers patrolled the Miami Dolphins versus Baltimore Ravens game in Miami and the University of South Florida (USF) versus Syracuse in Tampa and arrested a total of 14 offenders.

“This enforcement activity is exactly what TURF is all about. We want the fans at these games to have a great time; however, we will be enforcing our state laws on underage drinking and holding these individuals responsible,” said Secretary Charles Drago.

Tailgaters Urging Responsibility & Fun, or TURF, is a partnership among the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, The Charmer Sunbelt Group, and NFL-great Joe Theismann, and DBPR.  During the game at Miami Dolphin Stadium, ABT agents charged two individuals with possession of alcohol by an underage person, a violation of Florida Statue 562.111. During the USF versus Syracuse game at Raymond James Stadium, ABT agents arrested 12 underage drinkers. These individuals were arrested for prohibition against giving false name or false identification, unlawful use of license and possession of alcohol by an underage person.

The mission of ABT is to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of underage persons, to ensure that licensed establishments are in compliance with the laws and rules regulating the industry in Florida, and to collect taxes and fees related to these industries.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The Department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.  For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

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